Closure cap having resilient retaining means



Feb. 20, 1968 s. M. LIBIT ETAL CLOSURE GAP HAVING RESILIENT RETAININGMEANS 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 16, 1966 l/v VENIORS Sidney 77Z LzbiiCl'rihur ii'ezub Feb. 20, 1968 s. M. LlBlT ETAL 3,369,720

CLOSURE CAP HAVING RESILIENT RETAINING MEANS Fi led May 16, 1966 2Sheets-Sheet 2 Ha 3 Era, 10

Uri/2117' ZUasle Wezvby United States Patent 3,369,720 CLOSURE CAPHAVING RESILIENT RETAINING MEANS Sidney M. Libit, 441 Lakeside Terrace,Glencoe, Ill. 60022, and Arthur Wesley Newby, 1265 Schaumburg, Elgin,Ill. 60120 Filed May 16, 1966, Ser. No. 550,326 7 Claims. (Cl. 222517)ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Dispensing closure including a base portionfor securement to a nozzle providing exit of the fluent contents of areceptacle and a cap portion swingable between closed and openpositions. The cap portion is permanently secured to the base portionthrough a pair of flexible straps desirably weakened intermediate theirends whereby movement of the cap portion may :be accomplished digi tallywith minimum effort and lowered incidence of fatigue failure.

This invention relates to a dispensing closure adapted to be secured toa receptacle as a permanent feature thereof and capable of movementbetween on and off positions with respect to the opening through whichthe contents of the receptacle are dispensed.

Among the objects of the invention is the provision of a closure for thestated purpose which may be readily molded in one piece, which may bereliably secured to the neck or other means defining the exit of thereceptacle by automatic machinery, which is capable of repeatedoperation, which seals reliably, which may be manipulated with one handand which need not be held digitally in open position during dispensing.

Other advantages and objects of the invention will become apparent fromthe ensuing description which, taken with the accompanying drawings,discloses certain forms in which the principles of the invention may beembodied in practice.

In these drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation, partly in cross section, of one form ofclosure in accordance with the invention, in

closed position;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, but in open position;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative form of device similar tothat of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view to illustrate a furthermodification;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing another alternative;

FIG. 7 is a view of the device of FIG. 6 taken in plane 90 displacedtherefrom;

FIG. 8 is a cross section taken on the line 88 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a side view of yet another modification;

FIG. 1,0v is a view of the device of FIG. 9 taken in a plane 90displaced therefrom;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the device shown in FIG. 9; and

FIG. 12 is a partial view of still another modification.

Broadly regarded, the invention comprehends a dispensing closurefabricated from a resilient, plastic composition such as polyethylene,comprising a base part to be secured to the means defining the exit of areceptacle containing a fluent substance. In the case of a conventionalneck the mode of securement may be a screw-threaded connection, -a beadand groove engagement or any other expedient well-known in this art. Inthe case of an opening in a wall of the container which may be a clean,

punched hole or a punched hole having a circumferential flange, the basepart will have a male portion to intromit such hole and be soconstructed as to remain a permanent, tight fit therein. If desired thedevice may be molded as an integral part of a container, eg, a squeezebottle of polyethylene, or it may be attached to the receptacle bycement. Upstanding from the base portion or formed as part of meansassembled therewith, is a pair of oppositelydisposed flexible straps,the upper ends of which are continued into a closure portion adapted toobturate an opening in a nozzle portion forming a continuation of themeans defining the exit from the receptacle. This cap portion ispreferrably of inverted cup-like form and is adapted to "be moveddigitally between on and off positions with respect to said opening, orthe cap portion may be of shallow plug-like form to intromit partiallyand to obturate, the dispensing receptacle opening. The entire device ismolded of some suitable resilient plastic composition in order, one,whereby to conveniently conmeet the base part to the means defining theexit of receptacle by moderate stretching and consequent constriction,or by compression and consequent expansion and, two, whereby to enablethe closure portion to be shifted between its two principal positions byflexing of the straps. The dimensions and proportions of the foregoingseveral elements will be so chosen that the straps are under moderatetension when the device is installed on the receptacle. Thus, theclosure portion is biased into reliable fluid-tight relation with themargin of the exit opening. In order to realize comparatively effortlessdigital actuation and to lower the incidence of fatigue failure thestraps are desirably weakened by reduction in transverse cross sectionat some predetermined zone intermediate the ends thereof. Additionallythe closure portion, when of inverted cup-shape, is desirably interiorlyformed as a part of a substantially spherical surface and the curvaturethereof is selected to be essentially congruent with a correspondingcurvature of the marginal area of the exit opening. In this case thestraps will be so constructed that the common axis on which bendingoccurs passes essentially through the polar axis of the substantiallyspherical surface, i.e., swinging movement of the closure portion isabout said axis as an imaginary pivot. Alternatively the closure portionmay be configured interiorly as part of a cylindrical surface and themarginal area of the exit opening then correspondingly contoured. Thedevice is so shaped as to facilitate molding without the substantialexpense of retractible cores as well as to enable the rapid assemblythereof with the receptacle by automatic machinery.

Reverting then to the drawings there is shown, by way of example andsomewhat enlarged (FIGS. 1 and 2), a collapsible tube 10, e.g., ascommonly used for toothpaste, including a nozzle 11 of some rigidmaterial, as is conventional. The nozzle 11 carries threads 13 withwhich a correspondingly threaded interior 12 of the base portion 14 ofthe device is engaged. Although the terminal 17 of the nozzle is shownas a hemispherical surface 32 this portion of the nozzle may be offlat-ended, conventional form. The device comprises a cap 21 essentiallyof inverted cup-shape form, the interior 31 of which has a sphericalcurvature congruent with the curvature 32 in order that a fluid-tightjoint may be realized when the device is in closed position and tofacilitate digital shifting when the same is to be moved to openposition. FIG. 1 shows the device closed and FIG. 2, open. The curvature31 may be other than spherical only so long as the same has a zone whichwill bear reliably on the contiguous end of the nozzle in an areaperipherally of the exit thereof.

The cap portion 21 is joined to the base portion 14 by a pair ofoppositely disposed straps 2222, the ends 23 and 24 of which aredesirably flared as shown and the intermediate portion 26 madesufficiently narrow to permit flexing as the cap portion is shifted fromone principal position to the other. Moreover, it is preferred to locatethe narrow portion 26 at an elevation such that its maximum flexureprovides shifting of the cap portion with minimum effort. However,better to insure that the cap will remain in open position by engagementat one side of the nozzle as indicated at A (FIG. 2), pending return toclosed position, the narrow portion 26 is desirably displaceddownwardly, as illustrated. The exit from the nozzle is indicated at 34.Obviously the relationship of the cap portion to this opening will besuch as to provide adequate overlap thereof in order to achievereliable, fluid-tight sealing.

It will be evident from the drawings that the diameter across the crestof the threads 12 is greater or equal to the largest diameter of the cap21, and that the straps 2222 will extend between the base portion 14 andcap 21 in such manner that a conventional two-part mold may be employedand the use of retractible cores avoided, for example, the configurationof FIG. 3.

To facilitate digital manipulation the cap 21 may he provided withserrations 41 (FIG. 3), knurling 42 (FIG. 4) or a handle 43 (FIG. or anyequivalent means.

Turning to the modification of FIG. 4, the cap portion 46 may comprisean upper part 47 continuing into partial skirts 48-48 which defineU-shaped slots 51-51. The width of these slots, measuredcircumferentially, is made less than the diameter of the adjacentportion of the nozzle 11. Accordingly, when the device is moved ineither direction to open position the margin of one slot will bemomentarily distended and then allowed to constrict on the other side ofthe nozzle, whereby to retain the device in open position.

I It will be understood that the device, whether of the form of FIG. 1or that of FIG. 4, can be actuated in either direction from closed toopen position, that is, by movement away from, or toward the user.

FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 illustrate an alternative embodiment. In this case thebase portion 53 is shown as adapted for a bead and groove type offitment. The nozzle 55 is provided with a bead 56 to engage a groove 58on the interior of the base portion. In this embodiment the straps 59-59 are shown as of uniform transverse cross section and are united atthe lower end to the base portion 53 and at the upper end to the capportion 61. In this modification the lower face 62 is a portion of acylindrical surface, and the contiguous face 64 of the nozzle iscongruent therewith. Operation of this embodiment is believed to beobvious in view of the description of FIGS. 1 and 2. Closed position isindicated in full lines and open position by broken lines.

In order to insure registry of the surfaces 62 and 64 the device must beproperly oriented about the longitudinal axis of the nozzle. Thisobjective may be attained, for example, by providing flat portions 6666at the bead 56 or elsewhere together with mating flat portions 6868 inthe groove 58.

FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 illustrate another form of the invention in whichthe nozzle and closure device are fabricated as a complete assembly forattachment to the receptacle. In this form the nozzle portion 71 isprovided with a groove 72 and there is another part 73 including aflange 76 engageable therewith. The transverse cross section of at leastthe flange 76 is preferably trapezoidal with an interior face inclinedinwardly and upwardly to constitute a frusto-conical surface 78. Asimilar frusto-conical surface 79 is provided on the nozzle portion 71.Thus, upon initial assembly the two frusto-conical surfaces are causedto slide upon one another, the collar including the flange 76 meanwhilebeing momentarily distended whereafter the flange 76 snaps into thegroove 72. By providing an upper face 80 on the flange 7 6 and acompanion face 81 in the groove 72 which are horizontal, reliableinterlock is effected. The bottom 83 of the part 71 may be formed asdesired for attachment to the neck portion of the container, viz., inthe form of a skirt to fit over said portion, or the same may be of plugform for insertion through a punched aperture in the top of a tincontainer or the like. The cap 21a and straps 22a22a are similar tothose described in connection with FIGS. 1 to 8.

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment in which a head portion 21b has itslower face 101 of spherical curvature in order that the head maypartially enter the neck or nozzle of the receptacle with a male type ofengagement as contrasted with the female type of engagement of that formof the invention shown in FIG. 1. Alternately the surface 101 may be aportion of a cylindrical surface provided, of course, that the margin ofthe exit opening is correspondingly shaped. The reference numeral 102represents serrations on the upper surface of the head 21b.

to provide friction.

While we have shown particular embodiments of our invention, it will beunderstood, of course, that we do not wish to be limited thereto sincemany modifications may be made and we, therefore, contemplate by theappended claims to cover any such modifications as fall within the truespirit and scope of our invention.

We claim:

1. In combination, a container for a fluent substance, said containerhaving a nozzle extending therefrom having an exit opening at its distalend, a closure device of resilient, generallyshape-retaining materialadapted to be moved between two positions representing open and closedconditions of the opening respectively, said device having a baseportion and said nozzle and base portion having mutually-interengageablemeans to attach the device to the nozzle, said device having a capportion adapted to slide with respect to said nozzle end between saidtwo positions, a pair of oppositely-disposed, flexible straps joiningthe cap and base portions, said cap having a skirt which, in theobturating position, extends downwardly over the nozzle, said skirtbeing peripherally interrupted at diametrically opposite sides thereof,the peripheral extent of each interruption being less than the diameterof the nozzle within the skirt whereby, during actuation of the devicetoward open position, the skirt will be distended by the nozzle and,when the device is in open position the skirt will resume its normalshape to maintain the cap portion in the open position.

2. In combination, a container for fluent material having means definingan exit opening and a dispensing closure to be incorporated with saidmeans, said closure comprising a first parthaving a base portion to besecured to said container and said first part having a nozzle in fluidcommunication with the exit opening, the distal end surface of thenozzle having a substantially hemi-spherical configuration, the bore ofthe nozzle exiting in said surface, a second part comprising a capportion adapted to be moved between two positions respectivelyobturating and exposing said bore, the interior surface of said capportion being substantially congruent with said distal end surface toseal the margin of said bore in overlapping relation therewith when thecap portion is in obturating position, said second part having a collar,said first part and collar having mutually-engaging male and femalemeans for attachment of the first part to the second part, and a pair ofresilient straps joining said cap portion to said collar wherebymovement of said cap portion between its said two positions flexes saidstraps, at least said second part comprising resilient, relativelyshape-retaining material.

3. The combination in accordance with claim 2 further characterized inthat each said strap has a weakened portion intermediate its ends atwhich principal flexure thereof may occur.

4. The combination in accordance with claim 2 wherein saidmutually-engaging means comprises a groove peripherally exteriorly ofthe first part and a tongue peripherally interiorly of the collarreceived in said groove.

5. The combination in accordance with claim 4 in which the floor of thegroove is inclined upwardly and inwardly as a frusto-conical surface anda portion of the nozzle adjacent the groove is frusto-conical wherebythe tongue may be initially engaged in the groove by momentarydeformation of the collar by said nozzle frustoconical portion butdisengagement is substantially precluded by abutment of the top face ofthe tongue with the corresponding face of the groove, said last twofaces being in a common plane transverse to the central axis of thenozzle.

6. In combination, a container for fluent material having a nozzleextending therefrom, said nozzle having a curved end conformingsubstantially to a segment of a cylindrical surface and an exit openingin said surface, and a one-piece closure device comprising resilient,generally shape-retaining material, said device having a base portion,mutually-engageable means on said base portion and nozzle to secure saiddevice to the nozzle, said device having a cap adapted to be movedbetween positions respectively obturating and exposing said exitopening, a pair of oppositely-disposed flexible straps joining said capto said base portion, the transverse cross-sectional area of the strapsbeing less at an intermediate point thereof than at the ends, theinterior face of said cap being conformed to the cylindrical curvatureof said nozzle end surface to seal the margin of the opening when thecap is in obturating position, said mutually engageable meansincorporating spline means to orient the device in a predeterminedangular position with respect to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle tomaintain congruency of the respective curved surfaces of the nozzle endand cap.

7. The combination in accordance with claim 6 wherein said spline meanscomprises at least one fiat surface on the base portion and nozzlerespectively, said surfaces being contiguous.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,701,949 2/1929 Davenport 2225452,029,065 l/ 1936 Farley 222558 2,044,837 6/1936 Davis 222517 2,149,7953/ 1939 Skoblin 222512 2,543,432 2/1951 Boxer 222517 2,591,207 4/1952Sepsey 222558 2,708,535 5/1955 Dettelbach 222-517 X 2,889,089 6/1959Herrick et al. 222545 X 3,104,039 9/1963 Dike 222545 X 3,124,281 3/1964Stull 222545 FOREIGN PATENTS 550,768 11/1956 Italy.

WALTER SOBIN, Primary Examiner.

